The module meets the Care Certificate Standards:

2. Your Personal Development; 3. Duty of care; 4. Equality and diversity

The aim of the module is to engage you in critical discussion and analysis of contemporary health and social care issues and policies. You will develop an in-depth knowledge in relation to your area of interest through independent enquiry. You will gain a detailed understanding of theoretical, historical and comparative perspectives in health and social care; develop skills in evaluating the impact of health and social care policies on communities, professionals and/or organisations, locally, nationally and internationally; and the ability to critically reflect on policy and practice based on research evidence and use policy change theories to propose and initiate change. Due to the nature of this module focusing on developments as they happen, content will be dependent on policy and practice issues arising at the time of delivery.

Essay on a contemporary health and/or social care issue including policy evaluation and proposed change that will help to address the issue.

The assessment will meet all the learning outcomes. An essay of 2500 words on a pre-agreed contemporary issue in health and social care and evaluate the relevant policy that is meant to address it; then make proposals for policy change that will help to address the issue more effectively using theories of policy change.

Additional Assessment Details (including formative feedback / assessment:
Formative feedback will be through tutorials centred on the development of their essay plan for the summative assignment.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (35 hours)

10 hours of lectures

12 hours seminar presentations including a series of guest speakers who can provide a wealth of differing local, national and global perspectives around policy and policy change on key current health and social care issues.

10 hours group work

3 hours tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (135hours)

50 hours reading in preparation for seminars

30 hours preparation for group work

55 hours preparation and writing summative assignment

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the theories of policy process and its impact on health and social care

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Analyse and explain the nature of the policy process through critical evaluation of a recent introduction or reform of policy

Analysis, Problem solving

3. Communicate understanding of theories of policy making through the application of a chosen perspective to a key health or social care policy

Application, Communication

4. Demonstrate an awareness of global and cultural contexts and ethical issues in relation to a chosen current issue in health and social care.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, session slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.

Stoesz, D. (2021) Welfare State 3.0: Social Policy After the Pandemic. Routledge.

Bochel, H. and Daly, G. (2020). Social Policy. Routledge.

Kattari, S.K., Kinney, M.K., Kattari, L. and Walls, N.E. (2020). Social Work and Health Care Practice with Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals and Communities: Voices for Equity, Inclusion, and Resilience. Routledge.

Amzat, J. and Razum. O. (2021). Globalization, Health and the Global South: A Critical Approach. Routledge.

Edwards, D. and Best. S. (2020) The Textbook of Health and Social Care. SAGE.

Gray, A. and Birrell, D. (2013) Transforming Adult Social Care: contemporary policy and practice London. Policy Press

The Health and Social Care Act 2012

The Welfare Reform Act 2012

The Care Act 2014

The aim of the module is to engage you in critical discussion and analysis of contemporary health and social care issues and policies. You will develop an in-depth knowledge in relation to your area of interest through independent enquiry. You will gain a detailed understanding of theoretical, historical and comparative perspectives in health and social care; develop skills in evaluating the impact of health and social care policies on communities, professionals and/or organisations, locally, nationally and internationally; and the ability to critically reflect on policy and practice based on research evidence and use policy change theories to propose and initiate change.